The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA
Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.
TITAN 3C TRANSTAGE DEB (06253)
COSPAR: 1965-082UG | Alt Name: deb Transtage 4
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 15, 1965
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Titan IIIC
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
06253
International Designator
1965-082UG
Decay Date
4/15/1982
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
TITAN 3C TRANSTAGE DEB
Alternative Name
deb Transtage 4
Type
Debris
Status
Space Junk
Owner
AFSSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
Space debris, also known as space junk, encompasses all non-functional objects orbiting Earth such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegrations. Over time, this debris can accumulate and create an increasingly hazardous environment in orbit. Even tiny fragments, traveling at extremely high velocities, can inflict significant damage on operational satellites and spacecraft. If left unmanaged, the density of debris raises the risk of catastrophic collisions and further fragmentation, compounding the problem and threatening the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0
Diameter
0
Span
0
Dry Mass
0
Launch Mass
0
Shape
N/A
Radar Cross Section
0.006
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Unknown
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
Unknown
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Unknown
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 27 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include the certification of ULA's Vulcan rocket for national security missions, developments in nuclear timekeeping for GPS systems, and updates on the Space Force's new warfighting framework.
X Report 29 Jun 2025
SpaceX secures a significant military contract while successfully launching multiple batches of Starlink satellites. Furthermore, milestones aboard the ISS highlight ongoing space missions.
Apogee and Perigee
Understanding the high and low points of every orbit - from the International Space Station's careful dance with Earth's atmosphere to the extreme ellipses that take satellites to the edge of space and back.
Space Brief 29 Oct 2024
Today's space brief covers an impressive SpaceX launch record, China's upcoming crew mission to its space station, an Intelsat 33e debris observation, and more. Key topics include SpaceX's Starship events, ESA's Hera mission updates, and Boeing's potential space division sale.
Space Brief 26 Nov 2025
Today's update covers new military space initiatives, impacts of drone threats in Europe, and advancements in secure cloud technology for NATO and Ukraine.
Virgin Galactic's Upcoming "Galactic 06" Spaceflight
On January 26, 2024, Virgin Galactic's "Galactic 06" mission will launch, marking its 11th spaceflight.
Falcon 9 Grounded After Upper Stage Anomaly, Crew-12 at Risk | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX pauses all Falcon 9 launches after upper stage anomaly during Starlink mission. Crew-12 astronaut launch may be affected. Booster 19 rolls out for cryogenic testing.